A few weeks ago, I participated in the Ann Arbor Spark, a2Tech360 virtual event, and listened in on the Women in Tech talk. We were lucky enough to hear from three esteemed female leaders who brought diverse backgrounds but ultimately shared very similar insights for success. 

We heard from Dr. Ariella Shikanov, founder of Artova Therapeutics, MJ Cartwright, CEO of Court Innovations, and Dr. Lauren Bigelow, Executive Director of 20Fathoms. This talk happened just five days after the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an icon and beacon of strength for all of us, and each presenter referencing a quote or style of leadership they carry with them.

Many of their takeaways can be summarized by the phrase “the tide rises all boats” – it takes all of us doing our part to lift each other up.  There is no magic bullet. If there were, we wouldn’t still have conversations around equal pay, a seat at the Table, and equal representation on boards and in the highest levels of leadership. 

As Dr. Bigelow said, “There is no map for women in tech.” And, Dr. Shikanov said, “It’s 95% perseverance and 5% luck.” 

Show up every day. 

Be engaged. 

Make the person who hired you look super smart. 

Step up and do something that makes you feel uncomfortable. 

Women need to advocate for each other.

We represent 50% of the workforce and we do not hold the same percentage of leadership positions or positions of power. Therefore, we must have each other’s back, be inclusive of other ideas, and as we gain more seats at the table, we make sure our table is diverse. 

Accept criticism. Welcome it. Build on it. 

But don’t take it from someone you wouldn’t go to for advice. It’s no secret women have to work twice as hard to earn a similar position. Knowing this, we don’t give ourselves the space to be ‘wrong’ or make a ‘mistake.’ It’s this fear that can cause blind spots. 

A point these women made throughout the presentation was because of the criticism they received. By having their idea or business strategy challenged, it forced each of them to think differently, and it was this pivot that changed the trajectory of their success.

Don’t take it personally. 

Let’s all subscribe to trying harder next time versus being overly apologetic[1]. This is easier said than done, and something that will take time to develop in each one of us. 

Interestingly, this reaction goes back to the way we were socialized as children[1]. We need to give ourselves the space for professional growth and take steps toward seeing things objectively and recognizing it might not have been the right match for a project, job opportunity, or start-up funding.

 Source:

1. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/he-speaks-she-speaks/201402/do-women-take-things-personally

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